Contributing to a Profession in Crisis, Veterinary Technician Under Utilization

Veterinary technicians play a critical role in veterinary medicine; however, they are often underutilized in the veterinary hospital. Additionally, many credentialed veterinary technicians report that they feel veterinarians, hospital management, and clients undervalue them. Credentialed veterinary technicians are leaving the profession, listing lack of respect, inability to practice at the level of their education and experience, and low salary as a few of the reasons for changing careers. Is proper utilization the key to professional satisfaction and keeping talented individuals in the field? Could this be the answer to the “technician shortage”? The benefits for team members and the veterinary hospital of allocating all appropriate tasks to credentialed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants will be discussed in this session.